Power Steering Motor Torque Securing via Average Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power steering systems in vehicles lack efficient methods to secure the setpoint torque for the motor, which can lead to inconsistencies between the desired and actual angular positions of the rack, potentially causing safety issues due to undetermined malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A method for securing the setpoint torque involves determining intermediate values based on parameters representing the setpoint and actual angular positions, calculating limit values, and using the average motor torque from a previous instant to determine a target setpoint torque, ensuring it falls within a defined interval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a backup controller is used to detect rack unit malfunctions, then the reliability of the steering system is improved, but the device complexity increases and the ability to determine the origin of malfunctions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification mechanism that compares the setpoint torque with the actual motor torque. This intermediary check acts as a mediator between the controller and the rack unit, enabling malfunction detection without requiring a separate backup controller, thus maintaining system reliability while reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs self-verification by monitoring its own output torque against expected values. The controller uses the relationship between setpoint torque (determined from angular position parameters) and actual motor torque to detect malfunctions, allowing the system to monitor itself without additional dedicated backup hardware
2Ease of operation
If the setpoint torque is not properly secured, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability deteriorates due to undetermined malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the actual motor torque and compares it with the setpoint torque determined from angular position parameters. This feedback loop enables automatic detection of malfunctions while maintaining simple controller operation, as the verification process is integrated into the normal control workflow without requiring complex additional operations
3Reliability
If a backup control strategy is implemented, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary verification by continuously comparing setpoint torque with actual motor torque during normal operation. This preliminary action enables immediate detection of malfunctions as they occur, eliminating the need for separate backup control strategies and reducing the time lost to malfunction detection and response
Data Source
AI summary
A method for securing a setpoint torque for a motor exerting a motor torque on a device of a power steering system, and including: a first determination step in which a first intermediate value of the setpoint torque is determined; a second determination step in which a limit value of the first intermediate value of the setpoint torque is determined; a third determination step in which a parameter representative of the average motor torque exerted at a previous instant is determined; and securing step in which a target value of the setpoint torque is determined based on the first intermediate value, the limit value and the parameter representing the average motor torque exerted at the previous instant.